The Board of Education honored four Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees during the April 14 Board meeting including Megan Barrows, Bradley Grey, Kathleen Parry and Joanne Shelak.

Barrows is a prekindergarten teacher at Indian Head Elementary School, where she plays a critical role in providing developmentally appropriate instruction for her students. Barrows leadership, along with the assistance of teachers, support staff and the Title 1 parent liaison, has helped her plan curriculum focused family events for parents to learn how to be more involved in their childrens education. She also serves as the staff representative on the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) board for the school and helps find volunteers throughout the school year. Indian Head Principal Timothy Rosin said Barrows is an asset to the entire school community. Thank you Ms. Barrows for all that you do for the students in your classroom and in our Indian Head community. Because of you, we Win as One Team, Rosin wrote in a recognition nomination letter.

Grey is a science teacher at Westlake High School and was recognized for his commitment to providing students with innovative and exciting learning experiences. He incorporates technology into classroom lessons to better engage his students and values collaborative learning with other teachers. Grey has also been instrumental in offering extended learning opportunities to students in Biology. In addition to his duties as a teacher, he is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) small group leader, a volunteer with the Envirothon program and sponsors the Environmental Club. Grey supports all green school program efforts and coaches baseball at Westlake. Westlake Principal Chrystal Benson said Grey is a valuable asset to the Westlake community. Mr. Grey aims to provide innovative learning experiences for his students. He works endlessly to improve his craft and meet the needs of all students, Benson wrote in a nomination letter.

Parry is a music teacher at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School where she has taught for the past 25 years. She embraces the use of technology in the classroom and regularly incorporates the Smart Board into classroom lessons. She strives to instill the love of music in all of her students and has initiated several programs to help struggling learners. Outside of the classroom, Parry helps with school related extracurricular activities and organizes the winter and spring concerts. She also coordinates a schoolwide talent show for students annually. Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Principal Kristin Shields said Parry is a lifelong learner who is dedicated to student success. Kathy completes course work to enhance her professional growth. She participates in a variety of music workshops to enhance her teaching such as programs provided by the Kennedy Center, Shields wrote in a nomination letter.

Shelak is a science teacher at Theodore G. Davis Middle School and has worked for CCPS for the past 20 years. She is instrumental in maintaining high levels of performance among students at all levels of learning abilities and is known for her instructional leadership. Shelak demonstrates an outstanding professional demeanor among her colleagues and shares information, ideas and data. She sponsors the school robotics team, Future Educators of America (FEA) chapter and teaches in the extended day learning program. She is also the Education Association of Charles County (EACC) representative at Davis. Davis Principal Stephanie Wesolowski said Shelaks expertise in science instruction is impressive. There are instructional leaders who, because of their commitment to education and students, must be considered exemplary. For these reasons I am pleased to nominate Joanne Shelak for recognition, Wesolowski wrote in her nomination letter.

The Board honors several exemplary employees each month.

Board recognizes outstanding students

Pictured from left are Ricardo Cardoza, Westlake High School senior; Jacob Gallagher, Indian Head Elementary School fifth grader; Danielle Monopoli, Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School fifth grader; and John Canonizado, Theodore G. Davis Middle School eighth grader. The Board honors students monthly.

The Board of Education honored four students on Tuesday, April 14, for excellence in academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness, which are the focus areas of the school systems master plan. Honored were Jacob Gallagher, fifth grade, Indian Head Elementary School; Danielle Monopoli, fifth grade, Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School; John Canonizado, eighth grade, Theodore G. Davis Middle School; and Ricardo Cardoza, senior, Westlake High School.

Gallagher was honored by the Board in the area of career readiness. He is known for his perseverance and is a positive role model for his peers. He is a hard-working student who completes his classwork and homework assignments on time and consistently goes beyond expectations he has set for himself. Gallagher is a member of the fifth-grade orchestra, math team and Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA). He plans to become a United States Marine and pursue a career as a physical education teacher.

Monopoli was honored by the Board in the area of academic achievement and is consistently recognized by her teachers as a strong student and excellent role model. She has maintained exceptional grades throughout her school career including straight As each quarter for the past two years. Monopoli scored at the advanced level on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) in both mathematics and reading. She is involved in MESA, the Kiwanis (K-kids) Club, math team and Just Say No Club. Outside of school, Monopoli plays softball.

Canonizado was honored by the Board in the area of academic achievement and is consistently recognized by his teachers as highly motivated, committed to personal success and passionate about achieving academic excellence. Canonizados dedication to hard work has placed him in the gifted education program and helped him maintain a 4.0 grade-point average. He is a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), and the school band. Canonizado plans to pursue a career in the medical profession after he graduates.

Cardoza was honored by the Board in the area of personal responsibility. He is currently enrolled and excels in all Advanced Placement (AP) classes. He aspires to become an engineer and participated in the nationally recognized engineering program, Project Lead the Way, to earn college credits while attending high school. Cardoza was recently accepted at Towson University, the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Westlake football team.

Each month the Board of Education honors students for their success in academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility.